It is hard to imagine fitting a full 8 day trip into one journal entry.  In 8 days, we visited New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Conneticut, Maine, New Jersey and New Hampshire.  I looked at this trip as a small vacation as well as a road trip - as I have never played such a luxurious tour schedule before.  I had much time to rest up between shows.  The last time I wrote, I was in Rhode Island so I will start from there.  We spent the next full day wandering around Brown University and the surrounding shopping area.  The sun shone brightly and we didn’t even have to wear our coats.  Gaelen and I discovered a wonderful teahouse called Tea-luxe.  It was everything it claimed to be.  Each morning we could wake and have a warm steamy chai tea of our choice - and it made the day.  We also visited the historic neighborhood of Little Italy.  This was upon recommendation of my new friend Maria from RI.  She told us to visit Venda Ravioli - and thus we did - to a full and completely satisfied tune.  Off to Boston once again to meet up with my good friends Dani and Andrea.  We stayed there for a couple days and road tripped to Maine for Lobster, and Salem to see the historic town that beheld the witch trials. 

I then played my first show at Passim.  They really do know how to treat musicians there.  It is no wonder it is the premiere venue in Mass.  I played a songwriter in the round on Saturday evening - and not only met great people -but I had an incredible dinner of Squash and Goat Cheese and vegetables over coconut rice.  ( I seem to write a lot about food, no?)  Off to the Fung Wae bus which would wisk us off to NYC by 12:30am or so, just in time to catch the subway to see a friend I met at Burningman named Evan.  I had my friend Robbie meet us too - and we all spent some hours together catching up.  The next couple of days in NY were wonderful.  We spent time window shopping on 5th ave - and tried to win lottery tickets to a broadway show.  We did in fact, freeze our asses off along the way.  I can’t tell you how bitter cold it was.  You would have to see pictures of our frozen faces to believe it.  We stayed with Robbie - a brilliant dancer and actor - and made the most of our experience by visiting some of the best restaurants ever.  That is the one splurge of this trip.  For once, I didn’t spend the entire trip ruminating over the half dead non-organic vegetables at the local grocery.  Instead, I took the liberty of actually believing I was rich enough to eat well.  I can definitely feel the difference in my energy because of it. 

Lastly, on Monday - I had my first show at the Bitter End.  I must say - I rarely get nervous for performances - but when I approached the doors - I was shocked to see the list of people who had played there before me.  James Taylor, Tracy Chapman, Bette Midler, to name a few.  Hundreds of names etched into the wall above the bar - hundreds of famous feet tread before me on this stage.  I must admit, for the first time in a long time, I sweat a little before going on stage.  The show was wonderful.  The sound was wonderful. I had several people come to the show for support - and I had a wonderful time experimenting on stage with my new-found Russian accent. 

We spent the last half a day - revisiting our favorite lunch place called "The Coffee Shop" in Union Square.  Robbie showed us all over town - and back again.  He was a wonderful host - and we felt spoiled with coffee every morning - and a cream puff from "Beard Papa".  Ohhh maaa gaaad.  They were amazing.  The trip home this Tuesday was a strange one.  I realized that this was the first time ever that I was not extremely excited to hop into my very own bed. The fact is, in all of February, I stayed in my own bed on 1 occasion.  One night.  And so - by the 21st - I wasn’t feeling like I was heading home at all. I felt like I was oddly at home on the road.  Now, of course, as I sit on the couch, I am reminded of the beauty - of the peace - of the tranquility - of sitting my very own living space - and I am happy.

I am feeling short winded for a change this morning. I am sitting in a hotel room in Rhode Island after a night full of coughing fits - and I am just plain wiped. I am, however, having a wonderful time exploring the East Coast. I spent the first night in Boston in my favorite neighborhood, Newbury. Yesterday, we drove to Rhode Island for the day - so I could play the open mic at Tazza Caffe. It was really a great room - and it was packed. Becky (a local standout musician) was the host - and invited me back again for a showcase slot. After the show, I had some of the best french onion soup I have ever eaten - and I went to bed.

And so today begins a two day resting period - where we might head up to Maine for some Lobster - or spend some time in Salem to see where the Witch trials occurred. For now, I am going to pack up as it is time to check-out. I will be more inspired, I am sure, once the fog that fills my head, dissipates.

I love Portland. I love music. I love sunshine. I love hot tea. I love just about everything this morning except for my sore throat. I am currently in an incredibly cute cafe in Portland after just playing a phenomenal show at Mississippi Studios. It was so fun. April and I first took off yesterday afternoon to do a radio slot at KAOS. We played some songs and interviewed with Brian and Ben, dj’s out of Evergreen College. We had a blast there - and then hit the road to make it in time for sound check. We met Adrianne - who I will be spending the next several shows with and hit the stage. Super. That’s all I can say. It was a fun and involved and attentive crowd - and I had a blast. Jim, the owner, was hilarious, and professional - and was very complimentary. I am excited to return to that room again soon.

I will be heading to Eugene tonight to play Cozmic Pizza - another amazing room. I am sure it will be a good time. As for now, I am planning on taking a walk on over to the Fred Meyer - and picking up many necessities including airborne, zicam, saline nasal spray - and hot tea. Now THAT sounds like a party, does it not??? Yea - pretty much, I will do whatever it takes to keep this cold from taking over. So - I am short winded today. Must . . . save . . .energy.

I have been waiting for a good time to sit and write the happenings of my life - and I think that time is now. There is so much to say - and seeing as it is only 11:55 pm and I just had a post-show coffee - I shall have plenty of energy to write it all - in fine detail. I am sitting at my friend Cameo’s computer after playing my last show in Arizona. My bags are packed and I am flying back home tomorrow for another crazy week of CD Release Parties in Oregon and Washington. I am very excited about them. I feel, however, that I should start at the beginning. I believe the last time I wrote I was trying to explain the craziness of recording. Well, that - my friends - is over. The CD is in hand - and I am freaking excited about it. I can honestly say this is the best recording I have ever put out - and it is much due to my super producer and friend, Paul. He’s my new hero.

So this was my first tour sporting my new cd - and it went very well. I started by flying out here on Wednesday. I must say - I was a bit bummed to get on the plane and find out that seat 26C was in fact, in the very, very last row of the plane. At first, I was merely baffled that they would have such an odd number of rows. 25 perhaps, possibly 30 rows - but 26? Who would have guessed it? I think it is just to trick you into believing you are getting a nice row. “Row 26? That sounds nice. Not too far back, not too far from the front. I’ll take it.” Heh heh heh. That’s what I thought anyway. Well, come to find out - there are serious advantages to the very back row. 1. You get to hear the flight attendants complain about the annoying persons on the plane. No joke. I could hear “Can you believe that?” “What an ass". It was funny. Next advantage. You can sneak to the bathroom quicker than lightening while the seatbelt sign is lit - and by the time they see you - you are locked in securely. I did it. It was great. I also learned that you can make nice conversation with others that are also stuck in row 26. We all connected and felt kinship with one another for getting the shaft. (No pun intended)

I have also learned things while on the trip. The first stop was Tucson, where my friend and fellow-musician Nomali set up a show for us at Bentley’s Coffee House. This is not just any coffee house either. It was awesome. Cameo and Nomali and I had a wonderful time - and received a great response. The two lessons I learned on this trip were less exciting. First, the drive from Phoenix to Tucson is as boring the 2nd time as it was the first. Second - The best Veggie burger in the world is located at Bentley’s. I just about died. My friends were telling me I looked like I might have died while eating it. My eyes kept rolling to the back of my head in euphoria.

The next two shows were in Phoenix proper -and we played with some other new friends, Launching Brenda and Fatigo. They were both great. I had a very nice time and met many wonderful people. Mama Java’s was the show of the evening and this place is always fantastic. It is a cozy room and very warm crowd. Before the show, however, was a very fun experience. My friends Cameo and Delaney and I went shopping at this outdoor plaza type joint - and just as we pulled up, who did we see??? The Aerosmith Guitar player, Joe Perry. He was, in all his glory, sporting all black, with two blondes on either side, and of course, his hair looked like he had used at least a full can of Aquanet. He also had the “rockstar” sunglasses set oh-so-gently on top of his rockstar hair. Don’t get me wrong. He looked great. In fact, he gave me some new ideas for what I might do with my hair if I make it big. It was neat to see him - but I had the thought. Does he wear that all of the time? I think I might prefer to go un-noticed on a night off. I figure he probably gets enough attention that he might want to just hang with his friends. But apparently not. I think he was in town because he heard that there was a rockin acoustic show at Mama Java’s. Not sure.

So - now I am here, happy to finally write in my journal again. I feel a sense of companionship in sharing my adventures. It will be the first of many to come this month as I am venturing out on both coasts. I think I shall stop now as I should probably start gearing down to sleep. I want to make sure I have enough energy in the morning bond with my new friends in row 26.

That sound you hear is me coming out from under a rock. That’s right - I am back on the journal wagon. It just sort of happened that as the cd got rolling - I stopped rockin. So - back to it. I have so much to say - and quite frankly, not a lot of time. I am sitting here thinking of how to condense the last month and a half into one short, concise, and of course, highly entertaining journal. Let me give it in shorthand and see if that works. No - bullets. That is always fun.

* CD starts in Mid-november and between a studio change and a thirteen day deadline- we crunch it out.
* CD continues with mastering, duplication, & artwork.
* I sign with Natasha Bishop Booking (L.A.) Woo hoo!!!
* CD work continues
* I employ my very haphazard snowboarding skills of the year.
* Umm . . . cd duplication continues.

So as you see - life has been crazy, but awesome. I am so very excited for the new year. I am not really a “New Year’s Resolution” kind of gal - but somehow, as I was riding the chairlift on the 1st of January, I had a rush of feelings about new beginnings. I am looking to fill this new year with many adventures and much success. And it all starts with the present moment.

Sometimes I think I am crazy. Not always, but in months like this one - it comes up. Mostly, I tend to make myself crazy by not taking days off. I have successfully taken 1 full day off this month - and that day I ended up trying to catch up on all of the things I didn’t do the rest of the month. Sound insane? It is. Thus the reason I have not spent time writing in my journal.

We are in the middle of recording the new cd - and we have a glitch. We have decided mid-way - to change studios. This seems like no big deal - but it is. I am sitting in the studio while my producer and friend Paul fidgets for hours on end trying to get files transferred to another computer. I am not exaggerating. We have been here for 2 hours and I am sure it will be much longer. So - I figure, since there is nothing else I can do - I will bring you up to date.

Since arriving home from L.A. - I have had many adventures. First off, I spent a couple of days subbing before I got geared up for the rest of the month. I had four gigs last week. Tacoma, Seattle, Eugene, and another in Seattle. These shows were shared with Saucy Monky - a hip duo from L.A. - and Venice Maki - an awesome solo act who I am sure is going to be famous I much enjoyed them - and I felt great about the support at each show. Tacoma and Seattle showed me much love - and even Eugene at Cozmic Pizza, I had a nice turnout of people who listened and seemed very appreciative. Not to mention, the pizza there might be the best I have ever had in my life. I felt incredibly loved. We finished three shows in four days - and then I returned home to play the House on Dibble Concert series Saturday night. This is always a great show, and it was especially pleasant this time around as my Grandpa and Grandma were in town. They have only seen me play once before. To quote my Grandma - “I learned more about you in one night than I have ever known".

Sunday night we started recording - and it has been non-stop every night except Thanksgiving, whereupon I enjoyed two dinners instead of one. Delicious!

I am very excited to get the cd finished - and I am very excited about the upcoming tours I have scheduled. I must say - that though I am feeling a little bit crazy - I am enjoying every minute of it. Life is full of adventure. I feel like this is all a dream come true. I hate to sound cliche - but to think that I can make a living doing what I love to do - travelling, playing music, connecting with people, sharing my art, and freely expressing myself - THAT seems insane. In this case, crazy is good.

Ahhh . . . the smell of good coffee. I must say - though I don’t classify myself as an addict, I definitely associate the smell of good coffee with home. It is true that in many cities, there is a shortage of cafe’s - you know - the independently owned and operated kind. I end up rarely getting coffee on the road because my options are . . . limited - if you know what I mean.

So - you guessed it. I am once again in a small cafe, finally having the time to jot down some thoughts after a short, but exhausting trip to L.A. and San Diego. I have so much to reflect on from this trip so I will start in the most likely place; the beginning.

So - my shuttle arrived in high fashion at 3:50 a.m. to pick me up last Friday morning. After sleeping most of the way on the plane, my new friend Duff picked me up at L.A.X. I had very few complications on the trip except for a container of balsamic vinegarette exploding in my carry-on. Otherwise, beautiful and safe travels. We headed right over to his loft in downtown L.A. and got settled before heading out to the TAXI Road Rally music conference. I hadn’t done a lot of research on the conference - which in hindsight seems funny as I paid for a flight and made arrangements to attend. But - in true musician style - I showed up mid-morning after most had already checked in - and had my first run of presentations on placing my music in film and t.v. That evening, Duff had arranged for some friends, musicians, and people of the like, to get together at his place and play some music. We had a nice time mingling and playing and found some guests to be quite entertaining I don’t think I can expand on that here. I got to bed around 2am -which means I had a 22.5 hour day. Needless to say - I most likely drooled a little on my pillow that night.

Saturday morning, I slept in a little bit before heading down to San Diego. Duff graciously lent me his car for the trip and I headed down the ol’ I5 corridor once more. This time, it felt like familiar territory. It was a nice short couple of hours before arriving in San Diego - whereby I played in the Indie By Design music festival. I thought it was fabulous. Danielle Lopresti and Alicia Champion did a great job organizing this festival. It was well-publicized, well-attended, well-organized, and just a plain blast. The people in San Diego always make one feel like a rock star. Anyway- later that night, my friend Andrea (who was acting as my manager that day) and I went to catch some of the headliners of the festival. The first up was Alicia Champion - whom I had met earlier in the day. This was the part where the night turned sour. We were enjoying watching this young local rock star on stage when suddenly, in the middle of her third song, alicia stumbled suddenly backwards, took a deep inhaling breath, and collapsed on stage. She was unconscious. Needless to say, hysteria broke loose as everyone was screaming and yelling for 911 - or a doctor. It actually made me physically feel nautious from watching. We waited for nearly 45 minutes while paramedics came and she was taken away. Andrea and I left in almost silence. I am not sure exactly what happened -and I have been trying to find out if she is o.k. This incident, for some reason, deeply affected my psyche. I was disturbed by the picture running through my head over and over again and could hardly sleep. Luckily, I have slept better the last few nights. She is in my thoughts.

In the end - I had a wonderful trip over-all. I landed back in L.A. the next day and finished out the conference, met some great people, passed on my cd to some larger personalities in the industry - and was treated to a wonderful italian dinner by Duff and his most excellent girlfriend, Melissa, to finish out the trip.

It was wonderful and inspiring to be surrounded by people following their dreams. It was also daunting. There I sat amidst a thousand artists who have the same dream as me - to “make it” in the music biz. They have taken the same huge risks to leave jobs and security behind. Strangely, it is easy to get so caught up in my own path, that I sometimes forget there are tons of people who are vying for the same glory that I am, tons of people who have risked just as I have for their shot at the brass ring. In the end, at least I know this. All of us - whether we are successful or not - will always know that we did what others didn’t. We tried.

There is quite a bit to catch up on since I last wrote. Let’s see if I can give the reader’s digest version to catch you up. I arrived home from Arizona quite exhausted from the road. I knew I only had four and a half days to catch up on life before I headed out again to Portland and I felt like I wanted to sleep for all four days. Instead, I finished writing a new song, napped, ate beautiful food, and caught up with some friends.

Off again last Thursday for Portland where it ended up to be a wonderful trip. I played two shows in the three days I was there - and got a chance to make a visit to my two favorite neighborhoods - Hawthorne District, and Northwest. Portland has an amazing feel to it. It is a friendly, laid-back city where I always feel welcome. The neighborhoods are quaint. The food is wonderful. There are cafe’s on every other corner. But mostly, I feel warmly accepted.

Sometimes in Seattle, I feel like if I wear my sweats to a cafe, people assume that I am homeless - or that I have no money. Oh wait - I don’t have any money. But, you get the idea. I would never dare to step foot in Bellevue square with my sweats on, or even jeans and tennis-shoes for that matter. The “I’m an independent spirit” energy just doesn’t fly the same there. If I would only wear a pair of stiletto’s and a little black skirt, I would be promptly assisted.

It is strange how different cities have different feels. I totally expected New York to have a stuck-up attitude - but it ended up to be one of the friendliest cities I have visited. I expected smaller towns in California to be laid-back, catering to the surfer - and I found high-end specialty shops and expensive food. I expected Arizona to have a charming Desert feel and I found a mass of Strip Malls. So - I have learned many things on the road - but one of them is this. Never be attached to your expectations, good or bad. You might just be taken by surprise.

I am getting ready to head to L.A. next week for the Taxi road rally and San Diego for the Indie-music fest - and I am open to all possibilities . . .

Until next time . . .

I am struggling to find the "Just Right" start to this post.  I don’t seem to have anything very witty to say.   After all, how do you follow an ode to Corey Hart?  I can re-cap the last week and a half for you though.  My friend Jenny and I did make it back safely from Montana and Spokane and we did indeed visit Quinn’s Hot Springs. Let me tell you, it was not at all what we expected. I had imagined it to be a beautiful rocky setting in the middle of the woods, with steam rising from the crystal clear water. What we found was a small resort with a $7 entry fee that led us out to a dirty cement pool (not unlike what you get at your standard hotel). It smelled of sulfur and was filled with over 25 people, all packed in around the edges like tiny little smokies.  We both felt deflated at first - but then decided to buck up and get what we could out of it.  We ended up sitting in a man-made hot tub, looking out over the beautiful Montana forests. Though it was not what we had pictured, we were refreshed - and thus hit the road back to Spokane for the show. 

Saturday night’s show was wonderful - as Spokane shows usually are.  The boys at The Shop were kind enough to book me even though they are in the middle of construction - so though there was no stage, it still had the shop charm that we are all used to.   My aunt, uncle and cousin were the first to arrive and that was a treat since they had not seen me perform before. It was a nice turn-out - with several close friends who came to support - and also several people I had never seen. I did manage to get a write-up in the paper that helped out a bit. I also gained a number one fan named Arielle. She was very sweet - and had to have her mom ask me permission. I of course, obliged, with a huge smile on my face before I said curtly - "but it comes with some requirements.  You must write to me once in awhile.  That is a big job you know."  It made my night.

The next morning we rose as early as possible and hit the road around 7:30am.  We were both anxious to get back to our homes.  Having arrived on Sunday afternoon, I knew I only had a day and a half before flying out to Arizona.  I took several naps, did some laundry, and ate wonderfully nourishing food before heading out on Tuesday morning.  Off to Phoenix.

I arrived in style, Seattle style that is.  I was wearing jeans and tennis shoes and a big sweatshirt. ( I should admit now that I borrowed one of Jenny’s sweatshirts - and I think I have worn it about 9 days in a row. Of course, I washed it somewhere in the middle.) It is my favorite. Sshhhhhh.  Anyway- shortly after arriving, I found that I would have no need for jeans or sweatshirts on this trip.  It is beautiful weather here; dry, hot, sunny.  Just what I needed.  I played an open mic the first night at Mama Java’s to promote my show today- and had a nice reception. Then off to Tucson to play a great room called "Greenfire" - artist collective.  Though it is hard to get people out on a Wednesday when they have never heard of you before, the people that were there were awesome.  Did I mention that we then drove home in a topless jeep for two hours on the freeway.  That is the one time I pulled out the ol’ sweatshirt.

So - here I sit at Cameo Hill’s house in Phoenix - pronounced just like my name with an O instead of L - in their wonderful home. I am getting ready to go outside for a spell and take advantage of the sunshine.  I am so excited to get home for a spell. I plan on spending long hours in my house, cuddling with my cat, and reading.  That will last for 4 days before I head out to Portland.

Ahh . . . the life of a travelling musician.

I am sitting in the living room of a friend’s house in Missoula, Montana - newly showered after working out - and receiving a wonderful comp. massage from my new friend Nancy at Health Habits.  Nancy and Shauna, the owners, also sponsored my concert last night at the Elks lodge.  Let me tell you, I truly feel like a rock star this morning.  Sipping on an Odwalla and getting ready to hit the road again, I must pause and say - this is my life.  I have created this reality - and I love it.  Of course, it wouldn’t be the reality without great friends and supporters.  I have had my share of sad lonely days on the road and sparsely attended shows. But - today is not one of those.  I travelled through Spokane and will be heading back there today with my friend Jenny - who is acting as my road manager this trip - and let me tell you,  It makes a huge difference.  She has helped me to load and unload, sell cd’s, fill my tea, hang up posters, answer questions, write the set list, drive and uh .. . . yeah - she’s my hero.  So - good for her - she got a free massage as well. In fact, I think she worked harder and was more stressed out than I was.  It was great   I actually got to focus on what I need to - which is playing a solid show.

On with the tour . . . today I have the day off - so we might hit a Hot Spring (something I have never gotten to do). Then, off to Spokane where I play tomorrow night at one of my favorite rooms, The Shop.  We are looking forward to a good show.  I must say I am very excited as I am working on some new material - but even more exciting is this . . .

While sitting at a burrito joint with my two Jenny friends - I heard on the radio - the song that everyone loves. The song that everyone sings along to.  The song that made the 80’s so great. "I wear my Sunglasses at Night" - by Corey Hart.  I decided, soon after asking all people at the burrito joint in a loud boisterous voice "Who doesn’t like this song???" - to work it into my set.  An ode to Corey Hart.  I spent a few minutes figuring out the chords and debuted it at last night’s show.  I must say - I think it was a hit.  Thanks Corey.

Well, guilt is setting in as Jenny is packing up my bag while I sit lazily on the couch, writing in my journal.  Must put my sunglasses on and hit the road . . .

Wow. The whirlwind tour has finally come to an end - after driving nearly three thousand miles, playing 8 gigs, staying at more than 9 different houses or hotels, meeting hundreds of people, and telling a billion stories, I am home, sitting in a Seattle cafe, writing in my journal.

I am happy. That’s pretty much what I have to say. I am sipping on a familiar drink in a familiar place, sitting across from a familiar person and I am happy. Nothing has changed. The chairs and tables are still in the same place. My friend Dave is still nice. My drink still tastes divine. I feel relieved to know that I can go on a wild adventure - and still return to this place called home, where familiar things exist.

I am feeling a bit confused at one thing, though. We have been trained by our society that when we are home, we work. We rise in the morning to fulfill our day’s measure of 8 hours - monday through friday, only to rest on the weekends. If we truly want to get rested, we leave and visit another city or countryside. Well, I just returned from 2 weeks of working in another state - and find that returning home makes me feel like I should be returning to work. But, I just got home from work, and know I should rest. It is a very funny feeling. I am trying to make myself slow down a little, but I am finding it is a challenge.

I suppose it might take a few days.

So the last couple of days of tour were fantastic. Two wonderful shows. The first was a house concert in Sausalito with my new friend Clara George. We had a great turn-out and a very fun, intimate evening. My friend Erika showed up as well and played a couple songs. Then, - after staying in one of the scariest hotels in my lifetime, we had a fun day exploring some of the more colorful districts in San Francisco. On to Danville - where I was surprised to find the most beautiful backyard concert setting I had ever seen. My friends Mary and Robbin spent weeks preparing a candle-lit back yard, homemade stage - with a beautiful star stencil, incredible food, and beverages of all kinds. They had even created signs and donation baskets for me. This was my final show - and a spectacular way to end my journey.

In short, my experience was absolutely thrilling. I feel as if I l have earned more about myself in the last two weeks, than in the last year combined. I look forward spending a few days of rest before heading out again.

Well - I feel like it is past due for another “from the road” entry in my journal. I feel like there is so much to say - and for some reason, the idea that “brevity is the soul of wit” is not resonating with me today. Prepare yourselves for a long entry

It seems like a lifetime ago that I was sitting in Santa Monica chomping on that caprese sandwich - when in fact it was only five days ago. So much has happened since. First - let me recap for you the highlights of the first half of the trip. I had so much fun playing Twigg’s in San Diego. It felt like home to me - the town, the people, all laid back. The energy of the show was high and it was a great concert room. Then, out to Lancaster to play a wonderfully intimate house concert at my friend and fellow musician’s - Joan Enguita. I had a great time and met some wonderful people, including another musician from LA - Duff. I enjoyed his music very much. Then, I headed into Hollywood - and let me tell you - I was excited. I got to play a beautiful venue - Room 5. The atmosphere, stage, sound, lighting were top notch. The only thing missing was a huge roaring crowd. I had a great time, however, and met two wonderful people - Terri and Emill, who made a big impact on the rest of my trip.

So - there I was in Santa Monica, feeling a bit lost and lonely - and trying to decide where I was going to spend my two days off. The options were endless. The only limit was that I couldn’t justify spending money. So . . .I had a wonderful idea. I wanted to relax and enjoy the sun and the water, and so it dawned on me. Why don’t I head back to San Diego??? I called up my friend Andrea - and asked if she would mind the company. She happily obliged, and so I happily trotted the two hours back to the place I would call home for the next two days. I had the best time. Andrea and her roomate Adele, treated me so nicely. We spent a day out on the water boogie boarding and enjoying a picnic - and then toured some little neighborhood shops and Andrea treated me to Thai. Mmm . . . That night I slept like a baby on their couch and felt completely rejuvenated. I was ready to venture out once again. On the way to my show in Long Beach, I stopped in Newport beach for a wonderful visit with friends and a beautiful walk on the beach. We also had some awesome $1 taco’s. I then ventured to Long Beach.

I had no idea what to expect from the Long Beach venue. I have been booking everything blind - as you know - because I have not been to hardly any of these towns. So - I pulled up to Dipiazza’s - and found myself taking a wincing breath at the fact that it was in a strip mall. “Oh Well.” I thought “Sometimes, you gotta learn the hard way.” Well, what I saw when I entered, was one of the coolest stages I had ever seen. Surrounded by deep red walls and tremendous artwork, the lighting and atmosphere added to this great listening room. The sound was impeccable - and I was surprised to find that I had some people come out to the show to see me. Yippee!!! They also treated me to a wonderful pizza - which was to be my main meal for the next 3 days.

So - after my show at Dipiazza’s I called up my new friends Terri and Emill and took them up on their tremendous offer to let me stay with them in Playa Del Rey. A night’s sleep was well needed - and I ended up feeling like a queen in the morning when I was served a cup of the most incredible tea I had ever had - and fresh cut watermelon. Yes, that was the start of my day. I then left to find the beach and ended up just lost enough to discover a servicing place for my car. Beauty. All things happen for a reason. I then trekked down to meet Emill for a sandwich - and I kid you not - a set of the most strenuous and awesome stretches from a book touting “the fountain of youth". No joke. In the middle of a stranger’s apartment, doing these incredibly awkward stretches, while Jackie Chan’s “Enter the Dragon” was playing. Strange but true. I am super sore today - but feeling great.

Lastly, I headed to Ventura after the stretching extravaganza - only to find Zoey’s - another cozy, adorable cafe with an awesome stage and unbeatable sound. I had a nice gig and was well received. I made the decision, however, after driving up and down main street - that I needed a vacation from people. I just wanted to spend one night without being a “guest” in someone else’s home. I wanted to sleep as long as I wanted, shower as long as I wanted, scream as loudly as I wanted, and frown if I felt like it. I decided that this would be the night I splurged the $69 for a hotel to have some privacy. And so here I am - the morning after spending the night at the “Vagabond", after napping in the sunshine by the pool for an hour, after drinking a wonderful latte and eating a chocolate chip cookie . . . ready to take the next 3 hour drive up the 101 to Paso Robles . . .

I will surely come back from this trip with a more well-developed sense of self and a great appreciation and respect for those who find the courage to pursue their dreams. I am finding it paramount to my fulfillment.

Until next time.

At first when I thought about having a live journal, it seemed to be a bit silly. I mean, I imagined that I might write once and awhile from the road as a way to let people know of my adventures. The funny thing is, as I sit in Santa Monica, in a cafe filled with strangers, I am finding that it is a relief to get to write down and process this thing that is called life. Just knowing that some of you might read this, makes the journey less lonely.

I am currently on my 5th day of tour and I am a little worn. I drove a whopping 26 hours in three days - to play 3 shows in 24 hours - and now I have two days to rest before the next 5 shows in 5 days. I have had an amazing time so far. The drive was beautiful. I got to visit with many old friends along the way and my shows have been very well received. There is something lonely about the road though. I think my favorite part of the trip so far has been in the car. In the car, it is normal to be alone. I can listen to my favorite music and eat little snacks. It doesn’t seem lonely at all. When I get out of my car, however, and I am surrounded by thousands of people I don’t know, that is when it seems the loneliest.

Don’t get me wrong. I am not at all complaining about this adventure. I am in fact, loving the independence and the beauty of this trip. I am having a great time with old friends and making some new. I love the sunshine and got to take a wonderful rollerblade from Santa Monica’s pier to Venice Beach. All of these things have been great. It is just eye opening how much time people spend surrounded by others. Whether we are on the cell phone, on-line, at work, at a party - whatever. It seems we find comfort in numbers. When I am home, I really enjoy a night in by myself watching a movie - but I think I am comforted to know that at any time, I could call up a friend and have company. Here, I don’t have that opportunity. In fact, this morning, I spent two and a half hours lost in East L.A. - and the funny thing is, I had no one to call to help me with directions, so I just continued to be lost.
O.k. - at the time, it wasn’t funny at all - but now that I am safe in a cafe and eating a caprese sandwich - it seems a little humorous.

So in closing, I say this. Thanks to those who find the time to read this journal. I am so excited to be on my longest and greatest tour to date - and I truly couldn’t do it without your support.

I am off to the next adventure . . .

C

Well, I must say it feels incredibly invigorating to have this new website. I am sitting here - writing my very first ever public journal entry. It is a strange phenomenon to me that there are people out there who actually want to read my thoughts. But - here you are . . . reading my thoughts.